Congress likely to defer local body polls again in Telangana

State government dragging its feet on finalising BC reservations despite a looming September 30 deadline set by the High Court

Hyderabad: Local body elections in Telangana appear to be heading for another postponement, with the Congress government dragging its feet on finalising Backward Classes (BC) reservations despite a looming September 30 deadline set by the High Court. Sources indicate that the government is planning to approach the court for an extension of the deadline, and if need be, move the Supreme Court as well. Unfavourable political climate for the Congress across the State is the prime reason.

Meanwhile, the State Election Commission (SEC) has completed nearly all procedural work including revision of electoral rolls for gram panchayats, training of staff and distribution of ballot boxes, papers, and indelible ink. The revision of electoral rolls for MPTCs and ZPTCs also will be concluded by September 10.

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Yet, the crucial step of reserving seats as per the government’s decision remains in limbo. Officials say the SEC would need at least 10-15 days after government orders to finalise reservations and another two weeks to conduct polling, making compliance with the High Court deadline virtually impossible.

For over a year, the Congress has sent mixed signals. The government passed BC Reservation Bills to implement 42 per cent reservations and sent them for Presidential assent, issued an ordinance which is now stuck with the Governor, and even amended the Panchayat Raj and Municipal Acts to lift the 50 per cent ceiling on quotas. But when it came to decisive action, the government has stalled.

The Cabinet meetings since the High Court’s directive also have produced nothing more than statements of intent. Though the government hinted at issuing orders to implement BC reservations during the recent Assembly session, no concrete action has been taken.

Behind the scenes, the delay is being driven by politics. Party insiders admitted that the ground climate is far from favourable, due to unfulfilled promises, urea shortages, crumbling amenities and simmering public discontent, especially in rural Telangana. They fear that elections at this juncture, could see the Congress routed in the very villages that voted it to power in the State.

Hence, plans are afoot to approach the High Court to seek an extension of the deadline and if rejected, approach the Supreme Court for a stay order to buy time. The government has already obtained legal opinion in this regard.

The Sarpanches completed their terms in January 2023, while MPTC and ZPTC members finished in November last year. Local bodies have since been under the charge of special officers, a move already censured by the judiciary and criticised by opposition parties as an assault on democratic timelines. Voters are also increasingly growing restless as routine maintenance of local services continues to suffer. If delayed any further, the villages which are already struggling due to lack of funds, would paralyse completely.